Stabbing victim fatally shoots attacker, but was it a case of self defense?

Bronx stabbing arrest footage

Surveillance video captured a bloodied Matthew Peebles walking out of his apartment after the stabbing and subsequent shooting. (Photo: New York Daily News)

An investigation is underway after a domestic incident in a Bronx apartment Tuesday night ended with one man stabbed three times and his attacker fatally shot.

Matthew Peebles, 63, had apparently been drinking when, just before 9 p.m., he started yelling through the bedroom door where his girlfriend’s daughter, Ashley Ayala, and her boyfriend, 26-year-old Anthony Sainphor were located. Ayala said Peebles was threatening to shoot Sainphor before the door was ever even opened, the New York Daily News reported.

Eventually, Peebles kicked open the door, a tussle ensued and Sainphor stabbed Peebles multiple times as Ayala tried to close the door. Peebles, who was armed with a revolver, then shot Sainphor a single time in the head. According to Ayala’s account of the incident, she then tried to restrain Peebles before he turned to her and asked if she wanted to get shot as well.

Peebles eventually left the apartment and Ayala called 911.

As police made their way to the scene, Peebles wandered down the hallway and to the elevator, leaving a trail of blood behind him.

Officers had arrived by the time Peebles, who was still carrying the revolver, stepped out of the elevator and into the lobby. Seeing the police, Peebles dropped his gun and reportedly said, “I shot him because he stabbed me.”

Sainphor was pronounced dead at the scene and a knife was recovered next to his body. Peebles was taken to a nearby hospital where he received medical treatment for his stab wounds.

While speaking with investigators, Peebles initially admitted to shooting Sainphor but said he acted in self-defense. Soon thereafter, Peebles quit talking and requested a lawyer.

It is unknown if Peebles, who works for the Food and Drug Administration, will face any charges.

A neighbor, who did not want to be identified, described Peebles as a “good working man” but said Sainphor was a “hothead.”

“The boyfriend would always be fighting and screaming with that girl. That guy was always causing problems,” the neighbor said of Sainphor, who had eight prior arrests.

Latest Reviews

revolver barrel loading graphic

Loading